MH370 search unaffected by change in transport minister: Hishammuddin

Malaysian Minister of Defence and Acting Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein speaks during a press conference on the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 in Kuala Lumpur on May 15, 2014. The search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 wil
Malaysian Minister of Defence and Acting Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein speaks during a press conference on the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 in Kuala Lumpur on May 15, 2014. The search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 will not be affected with the change in leadership at the Transport Ministry, Mr Hishammuddin said. -- PHOTO: AFP 

TAWAU (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - The search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 will not be affected with the change in leadership at the Transport Ministry, Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said.

Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) president Liow Tiong Lai was appointed Transport Minister on Wednesday to take over the portfolio which had been temporarily under the care of Mr Hishammuddin.

"The appointment of Liow does not raise any problems in Malaysia's efforts as long as the transition is done smoothly.

"They will be no problems," he told reporters.

"I am sure our new Transport Minister will be able to carry out his responsibilities very well. There will be continuity in the search for the aircraft.

"So there is no need for anyone to worry as the (operational) structure is already in place. The families and crew of MH370 should not worry as the search will not be affected," he said after meeting US Marines Force Pacific Commanding General Lt Gen Terry Robling.

Mr Hishammuddin urged families of the victims to be confident as the Malaysian government has made a commitment to continue searching for the plane.

"Other countries including China and Australia are also committed," he said, adding that a high-level team left for Beijing to discuss a new phase of the search on Thursday while last week they met with the Australians in Canberra.

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